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Best Of Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado

July 19, 2024

See 30 of our Locals’ Favorites

Want the inside scoop on great things to do in Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado? Here are some locals’ favorites!

Flatbread at Before and After

Photo: @BeforeandAfterLeadville

These listings come from the latest Best of Leadville & Twin LakesHerald Democrat readers vote for their favorite spots each year.

See the listings below to help you plan your trip!

Best Local Event Celebration

Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival Weekend is a Wild West event you won’t want to miss! Here horses pull skiers over huge jumps on main street. See for yourself the first weekend of March each year!

Woman riding horse at Leadville Ski Joring

Photo: @lilympecor

 

Best Arts & Culture

For inspiring local art and toe-tapping tunes, check out these venues.

Best Art Gallery

Harperrose Studios Gallery & Goods

Best Venue to See Live Music

Tabor Opera House

History

Discover our Silver Rush history throughout Leadville-Twin Lakes and at these famous sites.

Best Historic Building

Tabor Opera House

Best Landmark / Museum / Historic Site

National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum

 

Best Park

Have a picnic, admire the mountains, and just relax at Ice Palace Park (100-198 W 10th St., Leadville, next to the Lake County Public Library).

Photo: Diana Lange

 

Downtown / Shopping

Leadville-Twin Lakes is full of local shops with unique goods, many handcrafted. Here are a few local favorites!

Best New Business

Iris Moon Emporium

Best Place to Purchase Locally Made Goods

Harperrose Studios Gallery & Goods

Photo: @CyclesofLifePb

Best Resale/Consignment Store

Community Threads

Best Shop Dog or Cat

Campy at Cycles of Life

Twin Lakes at sunset

Photo: @lifewithlinnell

Best Places to Get Outside

We’re all about trails and lakes! Here are some to try.

Best Trail to Mountain Bike

CMC Timberline Trails

Best Place to Boat & Kayak

Twin Lakes

Best Hiking Trail

Windsor Lake

Man fishing

@JustinTalbot

Best Outdoor Outfitters

 

When you’re ready to gear up for an outdoor adventure, check these and other outdoor options for rentals, guiding, and advice.

Best Outdoor Store & Equipment Rental

Leadville Outdoors & Mountain Market

Best Bike Shop

Leadvelo Bicicasa

Best Outfitter / Guide Service

Tim Hill, Colorado Fly Fishing Guides

People skiing at Ski Cooper

Best for Winter Sports

As you might expect with our top of the Rockies elevation, Leadville-Twin Lakes is a great place to play in the snow.

Best Place to Nordic Ski / Snowshoe

Tennessee Pass Nordic Center

Best Place to Ski or Ride

Ski Cooper

Lakes at Leadville National Fish Hatchery

Best Places to Take Family Members

Take your kids and your furry family members to these spots.

Best Place to Go with Kids

Leadville National Fish Hatchery

Best Place to Go with Dogs

East Side Mining District

Dinner plate of fish, beets and broccoli at Treeline Kitchen

Photo: Treeline Kitchen

 

Best Eats & Drinks

Hankering for a delicious meal, snack, or beverage? We’ve got you covered! Here are a few of the many places to choose from.

Best Place to Get Coffee & Friendliest Staff

Zero Day Coffee & Mountain Equipment

Best Place Overall to Dine & Best Date Restaurant

Treeline Kitchen

Best Place for Breakfast / Brunch

Mineral 1886

Best Mexican Food & Best Green Chili

Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant

Two girls with a pizza at High Mountain Pies

@hollynd_blue

Best Food Truck

El Mexicano

Best Hamburger

Wild Bills

Best Pizza & Best Place for Takeout

High Mountain Pies

Best Place for Sweets

Blueflower Candies and Provisions

Best Place for Adult Beverages

Before & After

Loft with windows and fireplace at Timberline Motel

Photo: Timberline Motel

Best Lodging

After all of this fun, you need a good place to rest your weary head. Here’s a locals’ favorite!

The Timberline Leadville

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A man fishing from a paddleboard on a beautiful day at Twin Lakes